It’s the best feeling ever. All the people you love most in the whole world united on your big day. The petty squabbles, heated debates and passive aggressive suggestions all melt into the background in a haze of love and joy. But what if you’re not there yet? Here are our top tips to for dealing with the people around you in the run up to your big day.
Image Source: Pete Bellis
- Communicate
The weeks before your wedding are a tricky time. You don’t know how you’re feeling most of the time and, between that and the logistics of the day, you’re liable to snap at those around you. Or not. More than one bride has been known to jump down the throat of the hundredth person to ask her, ‘How are you feeling?’ Whatever state you’re in, take a deep breath. Talk to the people around you, let them know how you’re feeling. That way they know when to cut you some slack and when to tell you to calm down. It also gives you the opportunity to hear how they’re feeling – don’t underestimate the effect your wedding could have on your mum or family. Is someone’s nose out of joint at not being included in the trip to the salon? Maybe there’s a bridesmaid worried about the colour of her dress? These are the little niggles that fester and cause arguments, so make sure you address them early.
It’s also good to discuss and coordinate outfits for mother of the bride and groom. You don’t want them wearing anything too similar or colours that might clash with your scheme. You also want them to wear something appropriate. Talking these things through beforehand means you can avoid any last minute shocks on the big day.
Image Source: MIKI Yoshihito
- Delegate
There is nothing more irritating than being surrounded by people doing nothing, especially when you are stressed, and your phone is ringing off the hook. It’s also really annoying for your loved ones who want to help and be involved. Delegating odd jobs like organising the car or ringing the caterer takes the pressure off your shoulders and makes the people around you feel helpful and included. This close to the wedding, when you have all spent months in each others company talking about nothing else, individual diversions can be a God send. It is also far too late for anything to get too ruined by an overzealous helper. The flowers are ordered; the venue is booked, the dresses are bought. So what if the car turns up half an hour early? At least you have had time to sleep and enjoy the run up to the wedding without the hassle of having to organise every last detail.
Image Source: Lovely Jia Yun
- Make Time For Each Other
It doesn’t matter how close you were before the wedding, the people around you are guaranteed to annoy you (and each other) at least a million times while you’re planning it. It’s important to make an effort to spend time together away from the furore of the wedding. A tea party, trip to the salon or spa day when you ban all talk of the wedding is the best thing you can do as it approaches. It helps you to remember exactly why you love the people around you so much, and exactly why they can wind you up and stress you out so much!
